Regenerative Agriculture @ 86 Acres
Regenerative Agriculture is a way of farming that improves ecosystems and quality of life, starting from the ground up—soil health! It means using practices that are beyond sustainable — not just conserving resources, but making them better.
BENEFITS FOR THE PLANET:
- rejuvenates soils
- improves air & water quality
- sequesters carbon
- fosters biodiversity
- promotes animal welfare
BENEFITS FOR PEOPLE:
- produces more crops at less cost
- increases nutrient-density of foods
- avoids use of harmful chemicals
- empowers farmers to improve their land
- builds resilient communities & food systems
Our Regenerative Practices
ADAPTIVE GRAZING MANAGEMENT
At 86 Acres, we use Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) Grazing, a more flexible system than traditional rotational grazing. We move our cows to new paddocks based on real-time conditions and ecosystem function instead of a set schedule, and the size of the paddocks are adjusted as needed. Our goal is to provide our herds with the most nutrient-rich pastures while letting other pastures rest and rejuvenate, mimicking natural herd movements in grassland ecosystems.
At 86 Acres, we use Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) Grazing, a more flexible system than traditional rotational grazing. We move our cows to new paddocks based on real-time conditions and ecosystem function instead of a set schedule, and the size of the paddocks are adjusted as needed. Our goal is to provide our herds with the most nutrient-rich pastures while letting other pastures rest and rejuvenate, mimicking natural herd movements in grassland ecosystems.
HOLISTIC HERD HEALTH PRACTICES
We closely monitor our animals and their environments to promote maximum health, nutrition, and well-being. We do use natural mineral supplements as needed, and alternative medicines when possible. But most of all, we focus on creating a healthy farm ecosystem to ensure our animals stay relaxed, healthy and productive.
We closely monitor our animals and their environments to promote maximum health, nutrition, and well-being. We do use natural mineral supplements as needed, and alternative medicines when possible. But most of all, we focus on creating a healthy farm ecosystem to ensure our animals stay relaxed, healthy and productive.
SUPPORTING THE SOIL MICROBIOME
We add biological soil amendments to improve structure and feed the “micro-herd” (a.k.a. the organisms that increase nutrient availability). These include mycorrhizae, a type of fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots and provide numerous benefits for plant growth and health.
We add biological soil amendments to improve structure and feed the “micro-herd” (a.k.a. the organisms that increase nutrient availability). These include mycorrhizae, a type of fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots and provide numerous benefits for plant growth and health.
BOOSTING BIODIVERSITY
We plant and maintain a mixture of plant species without synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides, catering to the cows AND the local food web (including pollinators!) Plant biodiversity and avoidance of chemical inputs leads to a more diverse insect population, which serves as an essential food source for songbirds and other wildlife.
We plant and maintain a mixture of plant species without synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides, catering to the cows AND the local food web (including pollinators!) Plant biodiversity and avoidance of chemical inputs leads to a more diverse insect population, which serves as an essential food source for songbirds and other wildlife.
CYCLING NUTRIENTS NATURALLY
Animals fertilize the pastures as they graze; off-season, manure is collected, composted, and spread on hay fields. Beneficial organisms in the soil continually break down all those cow pies. Soon, the nutrients are taken up again by plant roots and eaten by the animals--either fresh from the pasture or preserved in baleage (wrapped hay bales). As baleage ferments, even more nutrients become available and more beneficial microbes are produced (this time, aiding in digestion). Soon, the process starts over again!
Animals fertilize the pastures as they graze; off-season, manure is collected, composted, and spread on hay fields. Beneficial organisms in the soil continually break down all those cow pies. Soon, the nutrients are taken up again by plant roots and eaten by the animals--either fresh from the pasture or preserved in baleage (wrapped hay bales). As baleage ferments, even more nutrients become available and more beneficial microbes are produced (this time, aiding in digestion). Soon, the process starts over again!
MINIMIZING SOIL DISTURBANCE
Keeping soil structure intact--and improving it over time--is vital for plant health and nutrient cycling. We strive to maintain a green cover, using a no-till drill to plant into existing vegetation instead of the traditional plow-and-plant or herbicide use. With less soil disturbance comes a more productive soil microbiome and healthier pastures.
Keeping soil structure intact--and improving it over time--is vital for plant health and nutrient cycling. We strive to maintain a green cover, using a no-till drill to plant into existing vegetation instead of the traditional plow-and-plant or herbicide use. With less soil disturbance comes a more productive soil microbiome and healthier pastures.